Guide to Investing

Asian shares pull higher, with Hong Kong leading the advance, after Greece moves closer to receiving more aid to avoid a sovereign default.

Despite differing accounts, the most recent figures indicate that the Chinese central government would classify 1.66 trillion yuan in loans as local government debt, reports Caixin Online.

Benchmark crude-oil futures extend gains in electronic trading, supported by a weaker dollar, ahead of the next vote from the Greek parliament on legislation required to secure more aid and ward off default.

The dollar slips against major counterparts while the euro gains on expectations that Greece’s parliament will pass more legislation needed to secure funds to stave off a default.

Gold stumbles from its climb, but some — though not all — gold bugs think the metal may be headed higher, reports Peter Brimelow.

Sometimes, investors need to be protected from the people and agencies who are trying to protect them.

Although Wells Fargo and Bank of America are getting out of the reverse-mortgage business, they’ll still service their loans. And, homeowners seeking a reverse mortgage will still find independent firms to help them.

The fact is in the near term the pessimism over Japan may be overdone. The nation still has a vibrant economy, and as rebuilds in the wake of the recent disasters there are sure to be growth opportunities for savvy investors.

After China’s banking regulator put up higher capital requirements, every publicly-listed commercial bank is now in a rush to refinance – but will there be a pushback from shareholders? Caixin Online reports.

Brazilian stocks finish modestly higher Wednesday, but gains are limited as the country’s central bank raises its yearly inflation expectations.